So after posting the photos and info on my post-Crosley engine haul, Myron Vernis starts telling me about this Almquist-Crosley he knows about. As it turns out, it’s his, so I tell him I need photos, stat, and he comes through, along with some history.

As you know, Ed Almquist founded Almquist Engineering which was a pioneer in catalog sales of speed parts. Around 1955, he bought Clearfield Plastics, an early manufacturer of fiberglass kit cars. In the ensuing years, he produced a series of Almquist kits (and a few ready-built cars) to fit various size chassis. His first kits were made to fit Crosley and Fiat Topolino automobiles.

This car was built right around 1955 in the same area of Pennsylvaia where Almquist was based. I bought it from there several years ago. It was professionally built (the shop’s build tag is still on the firewall) and rumored to be one of Almquist’s pre-made units, but this has not been confirmed. Either way, the car is great looking and it belies its small size.

It has a stock Crosley CIBA engine in it. I always thought it would be a great candidate for a hotrod Crosley engine. Cosmetically, the patina is real (unlike many of today’s “ratrods”) so I think it should be left alone.

The windshield’s not quite as slick as it could be, but I’m digging it anyway. Myron said his goal is to get it running this summer, possibly find a Bearcat engine like mine and hot rod it just a little bit.

13 Responses to “The son of Corvette: Uncle Eddie’s Crosley”

It’s interesting to see how different two Almquists can look (comparing this car to Bruce Glascock’s car in your previous posting).
I may be mistaken, but the car looks like one that was posted on the VSCCA site a few years back. I remember contacting the seller — but then having cold feet.
Nice car!

I just bought a saber at a small action. It is on a crosley frame and is about 3/4 finished. It looks just like the red glascock. I didn’t know what it was at the time. I just thought it looked like an old racer. I put it together in the garage just to look at it for awhile. I am tied up redoing my 59 myers manx I have had for 35 years. I am also in the middle of a GTM build. Just drove it the other day.

Hey Guys,
I have a picture of the red and white Saber II that I’ve had for some time. Actually, I’d like to see what Tim’s little racer looks like. Any chance????
Hopefully I’ll have my wee racer down in San Diego for the races in September. For those who haven’t seen pictures of it, it has a mildly built Ford V8-60 motor and lightweight 4-sppe tranny. It’s truly more fun than is legal.
Thanks, Bruce Glascock

very nice car. did anyone see the acticle in the Crosley Quarterly about Mr. Almquest, and an interview with him. very cool stuff. i have a Berkeley body that I am preparing to replicate. Motorcycle engine or electric will be acceptable. With a Crosley engine and trans, rear wheel drive, iron diff. the first prototype weighs in at 920 lbs. curb weight. if interest is there, I will make some? or more?.

Join the Crosley Car Owners Club (it’s free and you don’t need to own a Crosley) and check out the huge collection of Crosley and Crosley-related photos and history and the latest news on Crosley cars and trucks and Crosley-engined cars including Almquist, Sabre, Panda and all the others … plus Crosley parts and service information. (Click the link.)